Yorkville

If we may be so bold: First-time visitors to Toronto should stay in Yorkville, a central, very walkable neighborhood known for some of the best shopping in the city (the famous department store Holt Renfrew is a few blocks away). It’s also home to the Hazelton, a high-end boutique hotel with seventy-seven rooms designed by superstar local design firm Yabu Pushelberg. The overall look is minimal, streamlined, modern, and big (even the smallest rooms are the size of most other hotels' suites). And don’t go looking for color—almost the entire place is in shades of gray, white, and black. Our favorite part—aside from our own goop MRKT in the lobby—is the indoor lap pool, perfect for a swim before a steam and deep-tissue massage at the spa.

Named after the mountain range in northwestern Africa, Atlas was opened by chef Doug Penfold opened after a trip to Morocco, where he was inspired by what he saw and tasted. His goal: to transport guests via the keftas zaalouk, and tagines (go for the duck version, with kale, celery root, and harissa) he serves in this tiny dining room in Toronto’s Midtown neighborhood. The intimate, cozy atmosphere and the tagines—meant for sharing—make this a great date spot.

Licensed social worker Kyla Fox founded her outpatient center in 2012 after struggling with anorexia and exercise addiction. The program offers an autonomous experience, which means clients' recovery work is done mostly one-on-one with the center's doctors, therapists, and nutritionists rather than in group settings with other clients. The staff takes into consideration each person's life circumstances, responsibilities, and other life factors to design a custom plan that incorporates holistic healing (i.e., art therapy, yoga, acupuncture, Reiki) and clinical therapy. There is currently no waitlist for the center and they treat children and adults. The center also offers a wellness program specifically for women, as well as individual, family, and couples therapy.

Founded in 1992, TNT has surged in popularity, and currently houses over 350 international designers. At over 18,000 square feet, the store is really more of a big brand-packed emporium than a boutique. You’ll find all the heavy hitters like Balmain and Victoria Beckham, plus streetwear favorites like Yeezy and Yohji, and smaller labels such as Ryan Roche.

With a second location in Los Angeles, this clean beauty mecca is simple and calming in décor and well organized. Founded to combat the fact that some of the most toxic elements in a woman’s life come straight from her beauty products, it sells lines such as RMS, Ila, Rahua, Odacité, and our very own goop by Juice Beauty. A good place to start if you’re looking to clean up your beauty routine, the staff are super knowledgeable and happy to give guidance. There's now another Toronto outpost as well.

A quick stroll down the street from the Four Seasons you’ll find 119 Corbo, spread over two floors in a prettily outfitted navy townhouse. The edit leans heavily on European labels like Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, and Balenciaga across dresses, accessories, and more casual sweaters and shirts.

Tucked under Yorkville’s Bay Street subway station in a narrow, unassuming storefront, Brothers Wine Bar has quickly become known for elevated dinner fare and a really great wine selection. Inside, you’ll find a few tables (which, despite the small space, are quite comfortable) and a counter that runs through the length of the restaurant. It's cozy and fairly low-key despite the gourmet nature of the food. Expect an interesting selection of natural wines, and if you’re with a group, plan to share a bunch of things.

After years of adapting dishes for vegetarian or celiac diners, chef David Lee decided to create a welcoming space with dietary restrictions in mind. The result? Planta is committed to 100 percent plant-based, environmentally conscious food. Menu standouts include the watermelon poke, kimchi spring rolls, and coconut ceviche. It's worth noting that all the salads are gluten-free and the cocktails have cold-pressed juice bases, too.

Chef Daniel Boulud does nothing in halves, and this café, located in the beautiful Four Seasons in Toronto, is no exception. Café Boulud is a classic French brasserie with a distinctly Lyon-inflected menu, inspired by the chef’s upbringing. The main draw is the rotisserie that turns out the most succulent, rustic-style chicken served with crispy potatoes and country bread night after night. While the food is Provençal in style, the Martin Brudnizki–designed interior is sleek and sophisticated—leather banquettes, mahogany-paneled walls, and a long, vintage-looking marble-and-brass bar. Aside from the chicken, menu standouts include an indulgent duck confit, old-school fish quenelles, and the steak tartare. End your meal with the Grand Marnier soufflé and a digestif to send you straight to sleep.

Bursting with old-world charm but stocked with modern luxuries, each of the twenty-eight suites is spacious and beautifully appointed, and you’ll also find—interestingly—a musical instrument in each one. For a real treat book into the Windsor, replete with a baby grand piano, fireplaces in the bedroom (plus one in the bathroom), and a beautiful lounge area furnished with an antique writing desk. Other amenities include a fifteen-seat screening room, a gym, and a saltwater pool and spa. The Courtyard café does a great brunch.